“Well, as you have got me, I don’t mind telling,” he replied. “I am a midshipman on the British scout cruiser Sylph. This man is a traitor, who would have delivered the British fleet into the hands of the Germans. Fortunately, his treachery was discovered in time. Last night, however, he succeeded in making his escape, and I was sent after him. I had just persuaded him that he had better return when you arrived. That’s all there is to it.”
The Danish officer permitted the semblance of a smile to cross his face.
“Your methods of persuasion are to be commended,” he said dryly, “but, while they may be permissible in times of war, there is no war in Denmark. Denmark is absolutely neutral. I suppose you are aware of that?”
Jack signified that he was.
“Then,” said the officer, “you must realize that you have carried this thing too far.”
“Well,” answered Jack, “I figured that if you didn’t catch me it would be all right. But I was afraid you or someone just like you might show up. But, if I could have got away with this man, I would have been all right, wouldn’t I?”
Again the Danish officer smiled slightly.
“You are frank, at any rate,” he said. “I am sorry, but it is my duty to take you to Esbjerg and turn you over to my superiors. My sympathies in the case have nothing to do with the matter. I may say, however, that I am sorry you have fallen into my hands. Had I known what was going on I would have become temporarily deaf.”
“Thanks,” said Jack dryly. “But are you sure it is too late to become deaf now?”
“Perfectly sure,” said the officer, smiling. “You see, my men might not be afflicted at the same time. I am sorry, but I must ask you to come with me peaceably, or I shall be compelled to use force.”